MindsBase

As a real, bona fide grown up, I’ve learned something about life. Not a lot, but at least this one thing:

The more you appreciate the things in your life — whether they be good or bad — the happier you are.The more you expect things to be a certain way, the more you are likely to be unhappy; the more your joy is conditioned upon your circumstances.

My first manuscript

So, a few things I am grateful for this Thanksgiving season:

1. I’m thankful that I have to beg, borrow and steal time to be able to write. It makes me treasure the moments I spend creating stories.
2. I’m thankful to have struggled financially for the past decade, for that has made me realize how little we need to live — how we don’t need things to make us happy. I’m grateful that my kids have learned this lesson, too.
3. I’m grateful to drive an old, beat up car that I never take the time to wash (see #1), so my kids have a renewable canvas for their love notes to me. I’m most thankful for the moments I spend in said car chatting about the world with the most important people in my life.
4. I’m grateful for a marriage that has grown from youthful adoration to a deep and resounding love that makes Hollywood movies look shallow and trite.
5. I’m grateful for a God that loves me enough to tailor my trials, just for me, so I can become my best self (over time. Like, a looong time.)

Hmm, I was seeing if I could be thankful for my challenges instead of my blessings. It made me feel lucky even for the hard things! And yes, my awesome marriage is on the list of trials — anyone with a lasting marriage will agree. I tell ya, sometimes, everyone hates their spouse. It’s what you do then that counts.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!